Racing Towards Success

For the first time, Denver Rescue Mission is partnering with Back On My Feet, a national running organization that operates in 13 US cities. The goals are inspiring, aiding and encouraging New Life Program (NLP) participants to chase their goals with consistency and determination. The Denver launch of Back On My Feet took place last month. The outpour of support for the Mission’s runners was all around. The morning was packed to the brim with a combination of volunteers, directors, DRM staff, and participants from the New Life Program.

I have volunteered at a variety of events during my internship here, but this one came in first place for excitement and enthusiasm! The traditions of an optimistic and tight knit community of Back On My Feet combined with the faith based roots of the NLP program help develop a foundation of love and support. Opening and closing each event with prayer, Back On My Feet ingrains a healthy and positive mindset into each workout.

In order to understand the origins and values of Back On My Feet, one must be aware of the long term goals that the running club aims to achieve. Their mission statement includes powerful ideologies about nationally “combatting homelessness through the power of running, community support and essential employment and housing resources” (Backonmyfeet.org). The goals of the club synchronize with those of the Mission’s: changing lives in the name of Christ by meeting people at their physical and spiritual points of need with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens.

Crowd cheers as participant reaches the finish line!

Back On My Feet does an amazing job at creating a fun environment for the NLP participants. The encouragement demonstrated through personalized signs for runners, cow bells at the finish line and a myriad of encouraging voices really sets the scene for a great morning run. The experience provides a glimpse into future workouts for members, and the positivity radiates hope that will encourage individuals to continually pursue physical, mental and spiritual health while aiming to achieve long term goals.

Having a group to cheer for one’s success is a monumental factor contributing to reaching personal aspirations, and the partnership between Back On My Feet and Denver Rescue Mission does a successful job encompassing this ideology. Strong values like positivity and determination are contagious during these events, and we are so excited to see what is to come in the lives of the participants!